News that the Dutch ace has been ruled out for a month with a thigh injury will come as a hammer blow to the former Everton boss who is under pressure to turn around their stuttering season as his side sit 13 points behind leaders Arsenal.

Moyes is also without Michael Carrick for a month after he picked up an Achilles problem.

Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra, Marouane Fellaini and Chris Smalling all doubtful for the trip to Aston Villa on Sunday with injury worries.